therunneronline.com California State University, Bakersfield
Feb. 23, 2022
Vol. 47, No. 8
Foreign on Native Land The Native American experience at CSUB See pg. 5
Photo provided by Arianne Chow
Mother and son advocating support team for Indigenous & Native People. Cameron D.C. Garcia(left)- Chalon youth group leader, BC Student and incoming CSUB Fall 2022 transfer student. Arianne Chow(right)- Chalon Indian Council of Bakersfield Chairwoman, CSUB Student.
Students risk losing Canvas access
See pg. 3
Impressions on being back on campus See pg. 8
Graphic by Carlos Hernandez/The Runner
@csub_runner
Photo by Kiara Zabala/The Runner
facebook.com/runnercsub
@therunner_csub
Walkoff Win See pg. 10
Photo by Carlos Hernandez/The Runner
@therunner_csub
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Feb. 23, 2022
The Runner Staff The Runner
California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 661-654-2165 runner@csub.edu FACULTY ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu PUBLICATIONS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Vada Hepner vunderwood2@csub.edu DIGITAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ellice Richman erichman@csub.edu ARTIST Faith Okoli WEBSITE EDITOR Marlene Garcia SECTION EDITORS Ambria King, Xochitl Martinez, Madalyn Powers, Sydney Williams COPY EDITORS Guadalupe Avalos, Kennadi Burke, Vanessa Hernandez, Frankie Nadal DIGITAL TEAM Camila Arambula, Brizna Fregoso, Autumn Layton, Melisa Magana, Adriana Toledo, Claire Welch SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM Haydee Brahona, Paige Calvin, Jessica Espinoza Diaz, Victoria Zaragoza REPORTERS/WRITERS Graciela Aguilar, Adeli Arvizu, Fatyma Cendejas, Giselle Gamez, Joselyn Green, Carlos Hernandez, Marlene Herrera, Ernesto Leon, Nick Lopez, Yasmin Marcelo, David Mendoza, Alexis Shofner, Ashley Soren, Kiara Zabala, Alexa Zepeda ABOUT US The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published daily online with a biweekly PDF e-edition, in conjunction with the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield. DISCLAIMERS Views and opinions expressed in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Department of Communications. The staff of The Runner reserve the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which may be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless. COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield. CONTACT US Send corrections requests, letters to the editor, op-ed submissions and press releases to runner@csub.edu. Send advertising inquiries to Faculty Adviser Jennifer Burger at jburger1@csub.edu.
CSU Chancellor resigns after allegations are made public By Ambria King News Editor CSU Bakersfield held an open forum via Zoom with president Zelezny on Feb. 22 in which Zelezny responded to questions regarding the recent resignation of former CSU Chancellor, Joseph I. Castro. Castro resigned on Feb. 17, after serving a thirteen-month term as CSU chancellor, when allegations of the mishandling of sexual harassment claims against former Fresno State administrator, Frank Lamas, were made public. Zelezny worked under Castro as provost and vice president of academic affairs from 2014 until becoming president of CSUB in 2018. Despite being employed at Fresno State during the time period that the first unofficial complaint was filed against Lamas by a fellow employee in 2014 and at the time an official review commissioned by the university found concerns regarding abusive or unprofessional behavior in student affairs against Lamas in 2016. Zelezny states she was not familiar with the issues taking place at the time. “...I was in charge of academic affairs. I was not aware of those complaints because they were personnel complaints that were happening in another division – the division of student affairs. I was not part of any of the investigations that happened at Fresno State, and I also was not at Fresno State at the time of the official complaint... Those were personnel
Image from calstate.edu
matters in another division and not the one that I was in charge of.” The official complaint that Zelezny referenced was a Title IX complaint brought against Lamas in October of 2019, which resulted in findings of misconduct on Lamas’ part. Mediation settlements took place between Lamas and Fresno State that ultimately resulted in Lamas leaving the university with a $260,000 retirement package and letter of recommendation signed by Castro. Castro has stated in interviews with the LA
Times that the conditions of the mediation did not allow for him to state the reasons for Lamas’ departure, and that he was encouraged to write the letter under counsel of then Chancellor, Timothy P. White, in order to prevent further litigation. It is this settlement and letter of recommendation that ultimately led to allegations of mishandling. Castro stated in his resignation, “I have been honored to serve the California State University for more than eight years, including as its eighth chancellor, and the decision to resign
is the most difficult of my professional life...” “While I disagree with many aspects of recent media reports and the ensuing commentary, it has become clear to me that resigning at this time is necessary so that the CSU can maintain its focus squarely on its educational mission and the impactful work yet to be done.” Vice Chancellor and Financial Officer, Steve Relyea, will be temporarily acting as chancellor in Castro’s place until the Board of Trustees is able to find a replacement.
FAQs from the CSU Chancellor Office Why are the Trustees launching an assessment? The Trustees pledged to strengthen the CSU institutional culture. The most important use of time and resources is to assess current practices and provide insights, recommendations, and resources to advance CSU’s Title IX and civil rights training, awareness, prevention, intervention, compliance, and support systems. At the upcoming Board of Trustees open meeting on March 22-23, the Trustees intend to call for a vote to engage Gina Maisto Smith and Leslie Gomez, the chair and vice chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Institutional Response Group, to conduct a comprehensive systemwide assessment.
Will Joseph Castro have retreat rights at any CSU campus? In connection with his appointment to the position of Chancellor of the California State University, Castro was informed that he will hold a joint appointment with rank of full professor with tenure. In October 2020, Castro was informed that his retreat rights at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo had been approved. Castro has not yet notified Cal Poly San Luis Obispo whether he intends to exercise his retreat rights. Who will immediately replace Dr. Castro? Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, Steve Relyea, will serve as acting chancellor until an interim chancellor is named.
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Students risk losing Canvas access By Ambria King News Editor Starting Feb. 28, access to CSU Bakersfield’s webbased learning system, Canvas, will be restricted for all eligible students who are not COVID-19 vaccine compliant. The announcement was made by director of campus programming, Emily Callahan, at a Feb. 11 Associated Students, INC Board of Directors meeting that was conducted through Zoom. According to Callahan, all students will be required to upload an upto-date proof of vaccination and booster, or request a religious, medical, or administrative exemption. Students who are granted a medical or religious exemption will be required to undergo weekly testing, which will take place in the Stockdale room adjacent to the Runner Cafe. Administrative exemptions will only be granted to those students who attend classes entirely online. Students who have been granted a medical or religious exemption will be expected to maintain regular testing. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary actions.
Canvas illustration by Marlene Garcia/The Runner
The first week of missed testing will lead to an automated email with directions to report to a testing facility. Week two of missed testing will result in automated email from the Dean of Students, along with outreach from a COVID-19 compliance team. A third week of missed testing will result in a denial of access to Canvas followed by another automated email from the Dean of Students.
Callahan stated that vaccine compliance will be determined by whether or not a student’s uploaded information in the online Point and Click Health Services Portal is current. Efforts will be made to notify students of their non-compliant status prior to the deadline. “Our outreach efforts will be through email and if they continue after that Feb 28 date of non-compliance, they will be notified that their campus access will be restricted” Callahan
stated. Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Student Affairs, Ilaria Pesco, reminded meeting attendees that anyone who has been vaccinated in California can access proof of vaccination through the state’s Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record website, which will send a QR code directly to one’s cell phone. “You can also do that on the health portal itself,” said Callahan, “you can look it up and it will sync
to the health portal, so if you don’t know where your card is or if you can’t find it, you can sync that or look it up in the system and it will download your information.” Students who have not achieved vaccine compliance or been granted an exemption by the deadline will have their access to Canvas entirely restricted. Restriction will only be lifted after the student has resolved the non-compliance issue or received an exemption.
Callahan noted that it may take up to 48 hours after vaccine information or exemption approval has been uploaded before access to Canvas is restored. Proof of up-to-date vaccine status and exemption forms can be uploaded and accessed at health.csub.edu CSUB offers COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Albertson Room inside the Dore Theater.
CSUB’s spring 2022 enrollment rates decline By Ambria King News Editor For the first time in more than five years, CSU Bakersfield saw a decrease in enrollment rates for the spring 2022 semester, following the COVID-19 pandemic and a transition to online learning. “In general, what we’re seeing is moderation in our enrollment about 7-9%, but that number is not settled at this moment so I would only give it as a range right now… but we expect to have less enrollment, overall than last year... due to the pandemic,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vernon Harper. “It’s the pandemic that’s been really, really disruptive to our students and families here in Bakersfield,” said Harper, “... many of our families for the last two years, for their work lives, for their edu-
cational lives have been severely, severely constrained by the pandemic.” Students across Bakersfield are confirming Harper’s statements. Nick Geddes, a former Computer Science major at Bakersfield College who planned to transfer to CSUB this year, stated that the transition to online learning, paired with a fear of catching and spreading COVID-19 to his family, caused him to put his academic career on hold until further notice. “After the brief lock down, I thought in-person classes would return. When they didn’t, I tried my hand at online courses. I’m not that kind of student. Being on campus and in that educational environment really helps me mentally focus on the tasks I need to do… I couldn’t focus for online work and eventually stopped attending” Even now, with many
classes returning to in-person meetings, Geddes remains too uncertain to take the risk. “Honestly, until I personally can learn to cope with the world around, I’m not sure I’d be able to return. Even with my mask, vaccine, and booster shots, I feel like I could get it again. I have a parent with respiratory issues.” Geddes’ concerns seem to echo what Harper is seeing when attempting to assist students with re-enrollment. Harper says that incoming classes of new students are actually quite strong, but it’s continuing students – the ones who were already enrolled when the pandemic first hit at the beginning of 2020, who seem to be having the hardest time adjusting. Harper and CSUB are working to address that issue. “What we’ve done is
undertaken a re-enrollment campaign. So, knowing that we’re seeing moderation in our enrollment, we’re making sure that we are reaching out to students, providing them with resources. In many cases, addressing outstanding balances and reaching out to them to get them re-enrolled here at the institution. At this point in the semester, we
Bar chart by Ambria King/The Runner
have re-enrolled over 100 students who left the institution mostly due to the pandemic. So yes, we’re seeing some reductions compared to last year due to the pandemic, but we’re doing everything we can to re-enroll them.” Harper also made sure to stress that while some classes have been canceled, cancellations are a normal part of every
semester and that the reduction in enrollment has not resulted in what he would characterize as an extraordinary level of cancellations. Additionally, there have been zero impacts on personnel. Harper also went on to say that the decrease in enrollment had no material impact on the university’s funding.
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New energy center coming to CSUB By Adeli Arvizu Staff Writer California Gov., Gavin Newsom, incorporated $83 million in funding for the creation of CSU Bakersfield’s Energy Innovation Center on Jan.10 in his 2022-23 budget summary. “It will house the engineering programs and the physics program as well as the California Energy Research Center (CERC)…,” said the interim dean of the school, Todd McBride. Furthermore, he stated the building will be the location for the School of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Grants, and Outreach. With the inclusion of multiple research and teaching labs for faculty and staff. He explained that it is hoped the center becomes not only a place of research
for energy for the Southern San Joaquin Valley but for it to reach recognition as a national research facility for the state of California. A goal for the center is to research environmentally friendly methods for the utilization of energy. They also aspire to discover new findings that can help with the effort in energy research. “The Energy Innovation Center will focus on a broad array of energy-related issues under the umbrellas of petroleum, solar, wind, and water,” Geology department chair, Anthony Rathburn, wrote in an email. He stated that research will also be focused around trying to limit or reduce the carbon dioxide that goes into the environment and more topics such as water contamination, the efficiency of energy production,
biofuels etc. The center will provide opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers within science, engineering, economics, business, and other potentially researched subjects to gain experience and carry out research of their own. Rathburn goes on to write that the Innovation Center will also allow the community to learn more about the resources they utilize every day in the Central Valley and other matters associated with energy. According to McBride, the building is set to be located in between the Science III building and the Student Health Service building. He went on to say that although the location of the building is known, there are still a lot more details
Artist rendering courtesy of CSUB
and planning that must be arranged before being able to begin the actual construction of the project. The research center may provide many opportunities for students, staff, and the community, however funding for the project is still a must for it to happen. “It is also important
to keep in mind that the governor’s proposed budget will first have to go through a legislative approval process before it becomes a reality,” wrote Rathburn. Fundraising is an ongoing process and if anyone is interested in donating money for the support of
the Energy Innovation Center, they can visit CSUB’s website at give. csub.edu. “We are excited about this project, so we definitely want to share it with everybody,” said McBride with a smile.
The Energy Innovation Building will include: • 74,000 square feet over three levels • State-of-the-art, LEED-certified for sustainability • Thirty degree programs from the schools of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering and Extended Education and Global Outreach
• 17 laboratory spaces • Home to CSUB’s California Energy Research Center • Expanded Fab Lab / Machine Shop • 44 faculty and staff offices Information from news.csub.edu
GrubHub lets students preorder food on campus By Graciela Aguilar Staff Writer New food and dining options are being implemented for students at CSU Bakersfield to avoid crowds as students return to campus after courses were delivered remotely for the first three weeks of the semester. Students living on campus struggled with on-campus dining as many restaurants were closed, and there was limited food at the Runner Cafe. Students living on campus have also reached out to the student government, Associated Students Inc., to try and resolve this issue or have more food options available to them during the school’s three-week closure. Jacob Roper, the ASI Director of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering, handles social, economic, and academic
issues for the students of NSME and has advocated for students to resolve the dining issue within the student dorms as well as dining on campus. “Nutrition is a very undervalued when it comes to student life, as students, we are not the best at taking care of our bodies, a lot of us resort to energy drinks, coffee, and quick meals, to keep us going, we don’t think about nutrition, and we already limit ourselves and limiting that limit is not good,” said Roper. Wayne Narine, Director of Campus Dining Experience, said they are offering new food options to students who live on campus or are coming to campus for classes. One of the new programs is starting this week, according to Narine. Students will have the option to pre-order their meals and drinks from any restaurant on campus
using Grub-Hub, an online and mobile prepared food ordering and delivery platform, and afterwards pick up orders at desired restaurants to avoid the crowds. This semester students will have no fee charge when ordering food. However, next semester there will be a 59-cent service fee added to your order. Narine also discussed other food options that will be implemented within the following semester and this current semester including new food preparation devices in the Runner Express, more food trucks, as well as a new dining room with more food options in the student residence halls that will be introduced next semester. “We expect to see a new variety of food trucks, throughout the week, Monday through Thursday. We are also trying to install a new self-serving
Photo by Kiara Zabala/The Runner Students hang out at the end of the day inside the Runner Cafe.
Micro-Market in student housing where food, snacks, and beverages will be compiled for students living on campus that will be available 24 hours, 7 days a week,” said Narine. Narine also states that students will also be able
to use the student runner card to pay for new food options at CSUB, including food trucks, through the Grub-Hub app, and with the new Micro-Market starting next semester in the student residence halls.
Students will be encouraged to try out new food options coming within the following weeks of the semester and advertising will be sent out to students once programs have been fully tested and are ready to go.
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Feb. 23, 2022
Students feel foreign on Native Land By Carlos Hernandez Staff Writer
Students walking about CSU Bakersfield take in empty bencheds and trees rustling with a chilled breeze. These students, making up less than 1% of the student population, find themselves without dedicated resources for support and can’t shake the loneliness of feeling foreign on native land. This is the Native American experience at CSUB. “At this point, there are only 46 of us that are identified as Native Americans at CSUB in this land acknowledged community walking on campus, I feel like I’m a foreigner and I shouldn’t feel that on my lands,” said CSUB student and Chalon Indian Council of Bakersfield Chairwoman, Arianne Chow.
According to CSUB, Native Americans make up 0.5% of a student population of over 11,000 students. To enact change, Chow is making it her mission to use her voice in a variety of ways. “It’s my desire, my drive, and my fight right now to get more Native students to get educated and not later in life as I have. Because that is what’s going to help our community and the survival of our future generations,” said Chow. Among her goals, she intends to run for Associated Students, Inc. Vice President of Campus Life. She has begun collaborating with other Native American Students and Staff, and she also shared her concerns directly with CSUB president, Lynnette Zeleznny. However, Chow left the encounter with the same concerns.
“I felt dismissed and somewhat redirected…I would like to see action and not just words like CSUB’s land acknowledgment. What our community really needs is resources. I don’t think our concerns are taken seriously because of Native enrollment numbers, but without resources and outreach those numbers don’t grow and I think that should be a priority in this Native land acknowledged community,” said Chow. She is not alone in this feeling. CSUB student David Silva decided to start the Native & Indigenous Coalition to unite Native and Mexican Americans, a student club that is inclusive of cultures beyond Native Americans to be a resource for the campus community. “We formed on the values to promote the education and history of Native
& Indigenous students on campus and in the community,” said Silva. Chow’s goals for a more inclusive CSUB community also resonate with some of the university’s staff. Christina Contreras, the Department Coordinator for All Students Incorporated, formed the Indigenous Faculty and Staff Association in the fall semester of 2021 with the hopes of raising Indigenous awareness, connecting Native students, staff, and faculty, and sustaining the legacy of each respective culture. “I’ve been able to reconnect with my Native culture, which I was disconnected from most of my life. The association is part of that reconnection where I hope others are also inspired to share their experience and establish a connection to each of our unique Native cultures,”
Photo by Aaron Pryor provided by Arianne Chow Mother and son advocating support team for Indigenous & Native People. Cameron D.C. Garcia and Arianne Chow.
said Contreras. Chow hopes organizations like the Native and Indigenous Coalition and the Indigenous Faculty and Staff Association raise awareness and resources for the Native population at CSUB and inspire the university for actionable change beyond land
acknowledgment but will continue to use her platform as a student and ASI candidate to be an active part of that change. “I have a voice and I’m going to use it for my people, my community, and my ancestors,” Chow Confidently states.
Alumni Hall of Fame event recognizes past alumns By Fatyma Candejas Staff Writer
The Alumni Hall of Fame event recognizes and awards past alums for serving and making positive changes in the community. The event was held at the Dore Theatre, and the award ceremony took place inside the theater while the rest of the event was set up outside the Dore Theatre with an elegant reception. The 2022 alums are Paula Parks, Stephen Neal, Terri Church and Connie Perez-Andreesen. Each alumni brought many different aspects of their personal achievements Dr. Paula Parks is an English professor at Bakersfield College. One of her goals is to promote equity in our community. Paula Parks said, “I am doing everything I can to promote equity inclusion at Bakersfield College and to grow the UMOJA program”. She is also the coordinator for the UMOJA program at Bakersfield College. Parks graduated in the year 2001. Her affiliation with CSUB is working closely with Darius Riggins, part of the outreach here at Cal State Bakersfield. Paula Parks helps her students from Bakersfield College transfer into CSUB.
She had “really great experiences with the professors. I learned a lot and I enjoyed the program. Dale Moody was one of my professors. He was one of my committee members as well as Bill Perry, he was also in my committee and learning from him was very special.” Paula Parks concluded her speech by quoting an African proverb, “Walk like you have three thousand ancestors walking behind you, and if you see the stage the way I do, it’s crowded, all my ancestors are up here, especially my mom and my dad”. She is now a chief administrator officer and National Vice President of United Farmers. Her parents immigrated to the U.S, and she went through all the struggles that being first generation college students comes with. Nothing stopped her from accomplishing her goals and becoming the woman she is today. Connie said, “There were really no role models, like women of color”, so she became that role model. Her mother was present at the event, and she gave her mom a special thanks. Connie said in Spanish, “The person who most deserves this recognition is my mom. Thank you for all your sacrifices. I hope
this recognition makes you very proud that you made the right decision coming to the United States. Thank you so much this honor is for you”. Connie is very grateful for all the sacrifices that have been made for her to come a long way. She stated, “My parents came to this country to give me a better life... If it wasn’t for my education from CSUB, I wouldn’t be able to help my family”. She graduated in 2001 with a degree in business and administration and a concentration in accounting. Stephen Neal is a wrestling coach here at CSUB. He graduated in the year 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Stephen was looking forward to going to college for football; however, that took a turn, and he caught the attention of the CSUB wrestling coach, Darryl Pope. Pope who stated in the video presented at the event, “We had been following him throughout the season.” Stephen said that the CSUB wrestling program is a very important factor for many of the athletes because many of them would not have attended college if the wrestling program was not there. “I encourage you to give
Photo provided by Brizna Fregosa/The Runner Attendees socialize with masks on at Alumni Hall of Fame event on Feb. 11
back to the school to whatever program that you see has a value and really help others have the opportunity that I had, and others have had as well,” said Stephen Neal. Neal earned 3 super bowl rings with the New England Patriots. Darryl Pope shared that he was very fortunate to have been signed by the Patriots as he has no college football experience. Terri is a chief nursing officer. She graduated from CSUB with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1990. Terri worked very hard to get where she is today. She attended BC to graduate much quicker and got a job at San Joaquin
Hospital as Vice President of patient care. She went back to school at CSUB to further her education. Terri is described as a kind person, and she put her patients first. Terri is most proud of the pediatrics from Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. According to CSU Bakersfield, “During her time there, the hospital has opened a more than 100bed patient tower, an outpatient infusion center for cancer treatment, and Kern County’s first comprehensive pediatric program. It has expanded its heart care, become a certified primary stroke center and partnered with the Grossman Burn
Center to open a burn-service line”. She claimed that when her kids were younger, and they needed any medical care, Fresno or Los Angeles would be the place to go. Terri took a turn on that reality and made a change for the community with a part sponsorship from Bolt House Families. Terri says, “I think I loved the excitement of taking care of patients that were so ill.” She ends with “What an honor to do your job and someone acknowledges you for it, so thank you very much Cal State.”
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Feb. 23, 2022
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Educators bring philosophy to all By Ernesto Leon Assistant Features Editor Should we punish someone for breaking the law, or shift the thinking to “is the law just?” What conformed their definition of justice? Society should realize that people of color have been left out of those conversations, explained Dr. Briana Toole at the Kegley Institute of Ethics virtual event on Feb. 10. The KIE partnered with PLATO and the Public Philosophy Network to host this webinar which was moderated by Dr. Michael Burroughs, director of the KIE. This event heard from four hosts who all work in or have created programs that utilize philosophy to enact social reform and change. The title of the event was “Public Philosophy, Education, and Social Justice.” Toole is the founder and
executive director of Corrupt the Youth, a philosophy outreach program that brings philosophy to Title I high schools. “The core values that guide this program are that students themselves are a huge source of knowledge and that they have a deep desire to understand their world… Very often what we see in schools is that we don’t talk to children as if they’re their own person with ideas and opinions of their own,” said Toole. The social change her program is bringing is helping youth be able to have difficult conversations about what they see happening in their own lives and communities. Dr. Kyle Robertson is part of the Center for Public Philosophy which created a program meant to increase dialogue within communities. Ethics bowl competitions are part of his program that has drawn in hundreds of
participants in being able to discuss moral, philosophical, and political subjects. Roberston also works in prison education trying to reform the education curriculum that incarcerated individuals receive. Robertson went in-depth into an experience that to this day still brings him motivation which was when he taught the classic philosophical conundrum of the ‘trolley lever scenario” at the prison he works at. This scenario involves one track, with a lever that controls which way the trolley goes – either toward someone you care about or a group of people. A week after he taught, he returned, and the inmates were still discussing it. He found how fascinated and engaged they were with philosophy inspirational. Dr. Sol Neely started the Flying University program which is a prison education program
that became a re-entry program for incarcerated individuals to go into higher education after their release. The program does this by having university students and incarcerated individuals interact with one another in seminars. Neely explains, “it (his program) became extremely dear to the community… Seeing the students who were formerly incarcerated come out and get their degrees was so inspirational. They worked so hard together and created a community.” Adam Blazej coordinates a group called Rethink, which runs discussions with victims of mass incarceration, domestic abuse, and other forms of gendered violence. This program challenges the traditional model of teaching. In this program, there is no teacher nor student, but everyone is co-facilitating the discussion. “I remember a previous participant of our discussions returned
to co-facilitate, and throughout the discussion, I saw her writing on her notebook. Towards the end, she came up to me and asked if she could give this spoken word… I found it amazing because that’s the whole point of the model we use. I would have never done that to discuss, but it showed me something new,” said Blazej. The event offered the opportunity for participants to engage with the speakers with Q&A segments about their work and overall questions on their philosophical beliefs. Everybody got the opportunity to learn about these public philosophers’ programs and the work they do to create social change in their communities. Philosophy is so much more than abstract thinking, but it can be implemented in ways that can be concrete and set a movement for change, explained Burroughs.
Students find best study spots on campus By Xochitl Martinez Features Editor This spring semester at CSUB, the university expanded in-person classes. With this change comes more students that are new to the campus. To help new and returning students find their favorite study spot this semester, here is a compiled list, some of which may not be obvious to newcomers.
cess to food and drinks. Student Recreation Center While the CSUB Student Recreation Center may not be the
Student Union The Student Union building next door to the Runner Café is not only home to the bookstore and a Panda Express, but it also has several spots where students can study in peace. The Student Union lounge, on the right-hand side of the main entrance, has a variety of tables and chairs with detachable desks to study that can be used by students (if they comply with social distancing and the mask requirement). The building also has tables and chairs that line the main hallway. The Starbucks attached to the main building also has many areas to study. The upside to studying here is the easy ac-
Canva Illustrations by Marlene Garcia/ The Runner
first place students think of for a study spot, most students are too focused on their own activities to create much noise inside the building. This creates the perfect quiet atmosphere to focus on studying. There are also several comfortable tables and chairs on the first and second floor of the gym that students can utilize. All that’s required to enter the building is your CSUB ID and a mask, of course. Runner Café The Runner Café is a food court that is now open to all students, faculty, and staff. Paying at the entrance is no longer a requirement to enter. The food court has many seating options for students looking to study. Additionally, many tables inside the food court have charging stations attached, making it easier for students to charge their laptops, phones,
and other devices for class work. Another bonus feature is the easy access to a meal for a much-needed energy boost. Science I Building The Science I building, right across from Dorothy Donahue Hall, is not only home to many classrooms, but also has a variety of seating for students in the main lobby on the first and second floors. These can be used for study groups or individual study sessions. Although primarily used by students who have classes in this building, anyone can utilize the space. Walter W. Stiern Library
Photo by Kiara Zabala/The Runner A student studies at one of the tables across the lawn from the Student Union.
Lastly, CSUB’s library, located near the entrance to CSUB off the intersection of Stockdale Highway and Don Hart West Drive, is the best place to hit the books. There are five floors and each contain many tables that can be utilized for study sessions while still being spacious enough to allow students to observe social distancing rules. On levels 2, 3 and 4 there are also study rooms that can be utilized for group sessions or for individual studying sessions. The group study rooms on levels 3 and 4 must be reserved on the library’s website; however, the rooms on level 2 are first come, first serve.
Photo by Kiara Zabala/The Runner A student studies inside the Student Recreation Center, which offers more than a place to work out.
Opinions
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Feb. 23, 2022
Alaska Young’s lasting message By Sydney Williams Opinions editor “How will we ever get out of this labyrinth of suffering? -A. Y.’’ A question that the author John Green has his audience asking themselves through the entirety of his young adult novel, “Looking for Alaska.” The novel had me scratching my brain trying to figure out Alaska’s ambiguous personality and use of pretentious metaphors. I enjoy reading books that have a good easy message to read, but upon looking deeper, a more meaningful message is revealed. This book did just that. The short 221-page book was amazingly fast paced, and the ending is left up to the audience’s interpretations. I thought that reading from the point of view of Miles, the protagonist, was very enjoyable, and the audience was able to start to understand who Alaska was at the climax of the book. John Green’s novel follows Pudge, a high school student who just moved from Florida to attend a boarding school in Alabama, along with his group of new friends throughout their dif-
ficult junior year of high school. The group of friends – Pudge, Colonel, Alaska, and Takumi – are faced with many deep topics that a lot of high schoolers must deal with. The novel has many dark themes like death, and the meaning of life. Pudge has a fascination for knowing famous people’s last words. This unusual interest is what drew in Pudge’s new friends at his new school. From the beginning of the book, Pudge expresses that he is looking for his “great perhaps.” This is later explained as finding his meaning of life. Although Alaska’s part in the book is short, her character left a lasting impact on me and how I now view the world. Alaska was somehow both optimistic and pessimistic at the same time. She shared her stories with her friends and that made me feel close to her. She was able to romanticize her life so easily and enjoyed looking to the future, even though she didn’t see the point of her life. From an early age, Alaska was able to be her own person, and I admire that. John Green uses many quotes in this novel that are still flood-
ing my brain. His writing was beautiful and there were many times when reading that I had to close the book and take a deep breath. One of my favorite quotes is on page 220: “When adults say, ‘teenagers think they are invincible’ with that sly, stupid smile on their face, they don’t know how right they are. We need never be hopeless because we can never be irreparably broken. We think that we are invincible because we are.” Many people on Goodreads praise this book, giving it four out of five stars. One reviewer who gives five stars writes, “This is what I call an amazing book. It was nothing less than I expected John Green to write.” Critics seemed to think that John Green’s novel “The Fault in Our stars” was better written than “Looking for Alaska.” Some on Goodreads agreed, especially those that read “The Fault in Our Stars” first. This book is now one of my favorites and reminds me of a modern-day classic. I have recommended it to many of my close friends, all of whom have said they loved the book as much as I did.
Endwalker expands Final Fantasy XIV’s zones By Ashley Soren Opinions Writer Winter of 2021 was a huge year for the gaming industry, as many anticipated titles finally saw their release in that year. One of the most anticipated releases was Final Fantasy XIV’s latest expansion: Endwalker. The expansion put an end to Final Fantasy XIV’s main story that had been running since 2013, and it had been met with a majority of positive reviews since its release. Endwalker introduced many new elements to the base game of Final Fantasy XIV, including two new playable jobs: the reaper and the sage. Additionally, many new zones were added to explore, and along with them came new dungeons, trials, and raids to run through. Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker
Screenshot from Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker
is, “Packed with hours of meaningful cutscenes and unforgettable new zones,” as stated by Leif Johnson, a journalist for IGN who gave the game a score of 9 out of 10. Johnson continued to praise the game by saying that, “Endwalker marks a satisfying conclusion to Final Fantasy XIV’s story as it has existed to
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date.” Alongside IGN, Metacritic also gave the game a high score of 92 out of 100. “The main quest has tons of unexpected twists and turns with satisfying payoff for fans both new and old,” states David Flynn, a reviewer featured on Metacritic’s page.
Due to its popularity upon release, the game’s parent company, Square Enix, was forced to suspend sales of the game in its entirety starting on Dec. 21 of last year to preserve server integrity and lighten congestion issues among the servers. Square Enix resumed sales of the game on Jan. 25 of this year. After seeing the success and praise Final Fantasy XIV has received since Endwalker’s release, many potential players are left wondering if they would like to give the game a try themselves. As a long-time player of the game who has locked in a healthy 1,839 hours of playtime into the game, I can say that it definitely is a story worthy to be experienced with well-polished gameplay features but is not for everyone. Since Final Fantasy XIV is
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a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, or MMORPG for short, players are forced to eventually interact with other players around the world, which helps build community but may be intimidating for those looking for a solo experience. Additionally, Final Fantasy XIV requires a paid subscription alongside paying for the game, meaning that players must pay an additional $15 a month to keep playing the game. The game also requires a time commitment of roughly 100 to 200 hours to go through the story in its entirety. If players have the time and money to invest in the game and do not mind the multiplayer aspect, then they will find Endwalker to be a beloved entry and conclusion to the long-running story.
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Opinions
8
Feb. 23, 2022
The Runner
The pandemic nostalgic era By Kiara Zabala Opinions Writer Throughout the years that we have been within this pandemic, a noticeable trend has become a bit apparent among people. While the outside world around us crumbles, the general public have been resorting back to their happiest of times in their life. This is what I like to call, a nostalgic era during the pandemic years. In my case, I have found myself picking up old hobbies. When the pandemic first started in March 2020, I had around 35 books in my room that littered my bookshelves. Now, as we are reaching our two-year mark, I have over 125 books and am running out of shelf room at an embarrassingly fast rate. Also, when I was younger, I had quite the obsession with the
Nintendo character, Mario. I had every game and passed them all within a day or so of playing the first level. During the pandemic, I have found myself with a Mario T-shirt and have even started playing some of my favorite games all over again. Finding our way back to our old hobbies isn’t us necessarily regressing. We are just merely searching for comfort in a world that seems to be just giving us more questions to ask than answers. In the CNN article “The Long Lost Hobbies People around the World Are Revisiting during the Coronavirus Pandemic,” written in April 2020, a man named Larry Ginsberg told the following when speaking of picking up an old hobby, “...despite all the uncertainty and fear about Covid-19 and the world, I smiled as
the best moments of my childhood with my grandfather and memories of wonderful times with my son flowed back to me.” CNN was on top of spotting the trend of these “lost hobbies” as they referred to them. By heading into this deep dive of old hobbies that bring nostalgia, it is bringing peace in a world where we are all so uncertain of what is happening in our everyday lives. I remember in the early days of the pandemic and playing those old video games all night brought a smile to my face, despite being locked inside. New York Times writer, Danielle Campoamor, wrote on regards to why we reach for nostalgia in her article “Why We Reach for Nostalgia in Times of Crisis,” published in July 2020, “ ...nostalgia serves as a kind
make your nose smaller, etc. The possibilities are practically endless. One might ask what the problem with such features on social media might be. It enhances our features, just like makeup does. It doesn’t change them completely, so what’s the problem? The filters are so realistic that it is so hard to tell that they’re fake. If it weren’t for a small caption in the corner of the picture or video with the name of the filter, it would be almost impossible to tell that it’s not real. Filters are a problem because the majority of them alter facial features to cater to what is considered “beautiful” by people on social media. It caters to one standard of beauty when in reality there are so many forms of beauty, besides the version with a tiny nose and enlarged lips. These extremely realis-
tic filters negatively affect young people and their mental health, specifically because they’re the ones spending more time on social media than adults. According to the West Virginia Education Association, teens spend an average of nine hours a day on socials. Teens are also likely to be more impressionable and look to their peers and to social media to figure out what is trendy and what is beautiful at the moment. There are popular influencers claiming to be posing with a bare face when in reality they have a type of natural beauty filter on. This causes teens and young adults to ask themselves questions: “Why don’t I look like that with no makeup on?” or “What do I have to do to look that way?” Filters heighten its users insecurities, making them wish they looked a way they do not. This leads
Photo provided byKiara Zabalat/The Runner
Kiara Zabala enjoying one of her favorite books,in her Mario t-shirt.
of emotional pacifier, helping us to become accustomed to a new reality that is jarring, stressful and traumatic.” Nostalgia during these times can most certainly bring comfort and flood back the purest of memories from past times in our lives. I believe this is the one thing we need. By resorting back to childhood hobbies, we
are essentially taking care of ourselves by not letting the anxious thoughts take over. So, my advice to you? Go back to that old book series you read when you were younger that brought you so much joy. Go rewatch that TV show, even if it is the hundredth time you have seen it. Dig up that old game you use
to stay up all night playing. Find a way to get back into swimming because you find comfort in the smell of chlorine. Find that old pastime that brought the most genuine of smiles to your face. Even though we are heading in the direction of normalcy, we are far from being out of the woods.
Beauty filters negatively impact mental health By Gisselle Gamez Opinion Writer Social media filters started out as a silly addition to our photos when sending them to friends and family. Snapchat had distorted face filters, the famous doggy filter, heart eyes filters, and many others. All of these filters were for comedic purposes, so it was obvious that they were fake. The filters available on social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram have evolved past the silly face filters and moved on to more realistic-looking filters. Now, anyone using these platforms can record videos or take pictures of themselves using filters that enhance or alter their facial features. These filters have the ability to make your eyes or lips bigger, slightly change the shape of your head, change your eye and hair color, add freckles,
them to believe that they aren’t as “pretty” as these girls lying on social media or that they aren’t worthy of the same love and selflove. The desire to need to look the way they do with the filters on also leads to heavy amounts of plastic surgery and plastic surgery addiction. In 2017, the American Academy of Facial Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery surveyed their patients, and the results showed that 55% of the patients paid for surgery to look better in their photos for social media. Realistic beauty filters also have a negative effect on the way we see ourselves when we don’t use the filters. After relying on these filters to “fix” our insecurities and get used to seeing that version of ourselves, it is hard to be satisfied with the version of ourselves that we see in the mirror. It gets easy
to lose our sense of self and lose our love for our natural features. This can lead to body dysmorphia accompanied by depression and anxiety. Body dysmorphia is a mental health issue that hinders people’s ability to live a normal life because they’re so concerned and upset about the way they look According to psychiatrist, Dr. Josie Howard in an interview with InStyle. com, “People begin to expect themselves to look like their filtered self and can become obsessed with achieving that in the real
world, which leaves them depressed, anxious, lonely, and disappointed,” Filters make it hard for people to post without them because after using them a few times, they don’t like the way they look without them. The filters on social media have become too realistic and affected the way people see themselves and each other in real life. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and a beauty filter on social media should not have the power to define what beauty is.
Illustration from News Medical
Opinions
The Runner
9
Feb. 23, 2022
Back on campus for the first time By Ashley Soren Opinion Writer I had started my first semester at California State University, Bakersfield completely digital, and never experienced being in an actual classroom. The most I had explored of the college’s vast campus was its student health building, which allows students to receive medical services such as a tuberculosis test or a titer test. On Feb. 14, I was able to finally step onto campus for its educational factor. My first observation was that the parking lots were enormous. As someone who had gone to Bakersfield College before transferring to CSUB, I was not prepared for the amount of parking that was available. According to the college’s website, CSUB offers roughly nine parking lots that students can use with a valid parking permit. Compared to Bakersfield College’s five lots that are viewable on the campus’s site map, there is much more parking available at CSUB. However, despite the number of spaces available, I found that the lots filled up very quickly. It was bewildering to see the amount of people who
attended CSUB just by seeing how full one parking lot was (specifically, lot C.) After being surprised by the parking lot, I was quickly blindsided by another observation. I swiftly realized that CSUB was a large campus with many students. I had arrived at about 3 p.m. along with a wave of many other students; despite some classes still being online, there was still a surprising number of students on campus. Once I had proudly set foot on the concrete walkways, I was quickly humbled by how lost I had gotten myself. Since I had parked in lot C, I was in front of the theater, and my destination was the humanities building. I had somehow made my way around the back of the building, and had to wrap around to find the entrance. While I was making my way around, I heard the CSUB band playing from near the performing arts building and was amazed by their sound. CSUB’s website mentions that auditions are required to participate in the band, and that they are still accepting auditions at this current date. After passing the performing band, I eventu-
ally found the humanities building, and was impressed by how large the building was. Once inside the building, I was able to quickly find my class thanks to the signs posted in the building. Upon seeing the classroom, I was pleasantly surprised. There was plenty of seating thanks to the size, and the room included two projector screens located on the ends. The whiteboard took up nearly all of the front wall, allowing for the professor to have ample room to write. Overall, I was satisfied with the classroom itself, and believed it to be comfortable in size and functionality. While I have yet to visit the cafeteria or other social areas of the campus, I am happy with my first experience walking on campus. I do think many others will be intimidated walking onto campus for the first time, especially if it is the first college campus they’ll be on. I do believe, however, other students will appreciate the size of the classrooms, the satisfying layout of the campus, and its well-placed guidance maps that help students find their destination.
A view of the Humanities complex.
Photo by Ashley Soren/The Runner
Photo by Ashley Soren/The Runner
A view of one of the classrooms in the Humanities complex.
‘ RU N N E R S RE AC T What is it like being back on campus for in-person classes now that COVID cases are declining? Interviews and photos by Fatyma Cendejas
Brizna Fregoso Sophomore, Theatre Major “It was pretty good. Classes went fine.”
Kimberly Duran Freshman, Psychology Major “It feels so good to be back on campus.”
Ian Tash Senior, Religious Studies and English Major
Lauren Teasley Sophomore Psychology Major
“I like being able to use all the different resources on campus. It is a lot harder ... to make sure my schedule is lined up with work and family responsibilities.”
“I like in person better than online. It helps me focus more. I also like meeting new people.”
Gisselle Sanchez Undeclared Freshman “(I was) here last semester, so it’s not (that) big of a change. I liked it better than Zoom.”
Sports
10
Feb. 23, 2022
The Runner
Freshmen shine in home opener win By Nick Lopez Sports Writer The CSUB softball team finally returned to action at home after nearly two years, hosting an old rival, The University of the Pacific Tigers, on Feb. 19. In the all-time series, the Tigers own a 15-4 record against the ‘Runners. The Roadrunners are coming into the contest with a 0-5 record in a Vegas tournament. The Roadrunners faced a tough test in UNLV, BYU, and Hawaii University. The Roadrunners’ leadoff hitter Savanna Montoya tripled on a drive over the center fielder’s head, boosting the offense in the first inning. Senior shortstop Cydney Curran singled Montoya in with a base hit up the middle. The offense came out aggressive, finishing the first inning 2-0. Freshman starting
pitcher Reina Castillo was effective and pounded the strike zone that really set the tone for the Roadrunners’ defense. Castillo cruised her way through the Tigers’ offense throughout the first couple of innings. In the fifth inning the score was 3-1 Roadrunners. The Tigers threatened to score with runners on first and third with two outs. Castillo fielded a sharp come back ground ball in front of the runner to get the third out. Castillo exited the game in the seventh inning, leaving two runners on base after a solid home performance. She only gave up two earned runs in six complete innings. Fellow freshman pitcher Kaycie Kennedy closed out the game. The Tigers later then tied the game up with a sacrifice fly out to centerfield. With one out in the
Photo by Nick Lopez/The Runner
The Roadrunners celebrate their win with a walk-off at their first home game in two years on Feb. 19. inning and two runners on base the Roadrunners left-fielder Kaia Johnson made a spectacular shoestring catch to throw out a runner. Montoya led off the bottom of the seventh
inning with a single over the Tigers’ shortstop’s head. A bunt was perfectly placed down by Curran, advancing Montoya into scoring position at second base. With two outs, freshman Shaylene Fuimaono
Photo by Nick Lopez/The Runner
Infielder Cydney Curran celebrates after hitting a triple in the game against the Pacific Tigers on Feb. 19. singled on a solid up the middle scoring the winning run, ending with a 4-3 victory. In the following day’s double-header, the Roadrunners lost the first game 1-7 but came back to win
the second with a 5-0 shutout on Feb. 20. The Roadrunners will return home on March 16 for a double-header against North Dakota.
greens would do. She led the Roadrunners in the tournament Feb. 7 and 8 with three rounds in the 70s ((78-79-78, +19), her
best 54-hole tournament score of the season by seven strokes, according to gorunners.com. She tied for 30th out of 69 women.
Athlete of the Week: Jefi Dordevic By Madalyn Powers Sports Editor
This week, we honor Women’s Golf player Jefi Dordevic who is a sophomore from Belgrade, Serbia. She began the sport with her dad, playing for fun as early as 8 years old, and then turned into a family sport with both her and her brother following suit. This comes as an advantage as they understand the sport in all its entirety. When asked why she chose CSUB’s program she mentioned the positive aspects of the team atmosphere and the coach’s motivation to always fight for the program. Dordevic said, “We have something special, our chemistry on the field.” A plus side was definitely CSUB being located in California with amazing weather all the time. This gives the ability to play all the time. Lastly, the courses and facilities they get to play at made the choice even easier. She said being able Photo courtesy of CSUB Athletics to play at home during Jefi Dordevic, a sophomore from Belgrade, Serbia, led the Valley Invitational the Roadrunners in the Valley Invitational Feb. 7 and gave her the ability to 8, tying for 30th out of 69 golfers. practice and see what the